Roku's Revamped Its Cheapest Streaming Boxes

Roku has given its product line a big overhaul, simplifying its branding and amping up the features of its cheaper models.

Instead of selling the LT, HD, 2XD and 3, the company has now adopted a much simpler device lineup: OK, Good, Best. Not really. It goes 1, 2, 3. That's nice and easy, right?

In fact, the 3 remains completely unchanged, but the rest of the line has been updated, bringing the 3's design to the range (except for the LT, which will remain as a super-cheap option). So, the 1 is stripped down, featuring a single-core processor, Infra-Red remote control and 1080p streaming, while the 2 features dual-band WiFi and WiFi Direct gear to power the remote control with its built-in headphone jack for silent movie watching. (By comparison, the 3 has dual-core guts and an accelerometer inside the remote.)

Roku has also refreshed its UI to make browsing content easier: Movies and TV channels are now standalone submenu options, and there are a selection of new themes, too. Speaking to Engadget, Roku mentioned that it had hopes to bring WiDi or Miracast to the platform, though it's not here just yet.

The Roku 3 is out now a penny shy of £100 at Roku.co.uk and in brick and mortar stores. The Roku 1 and Roku 2 players are only available for pre-order at the moment. They're priced at £59.99 and £79.99 respectively, and will hit stores in October.[Engadget]